Learning with Leo: Drones—Meeting Demand Without Compromise
Nolan’s Notes: Our Spotlight on North America
Global Sourcing Spotlight: Building a Supply Chain That Bends, Not Breaks
Digi-Key on Adapting to the Changing Industry Landscape, Pt. 1
November 26, 2019 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The I-Connect007 editorial team recently spoke with Chris Beeson, executive vice president of global supplier and new business development at Digi-Key Electronics, about trends and the changing landscape of the industry. Beeson describes how Digi-Key is looking to continue growing its user community as a design service provider while providing greater services for the entire PCB.
Barry Matties: Chris, can you give us a little background of who you are and what you do?
Chris Beeson: Sure. I’ve been in the industry since ’82, and I’ve been with Digi-Key since 2005. I’m the executive vice president of global supplier and new business development at Digi-Key Electronics. For my first 13 years, I had more of a sales role within Digi-Key, along with some other functions. But today, I’m focused on the supplier initiative and new business development.
We’re working diligently to make sure that we’re aligned with where the industry’s going and where Digi-Key needs to be positioned to support the industry. The company continues to prosper. When I joined in 2005, we were a $500 million company. Last year, it was a little over three billion without acquisition. A lot of good things have happened.
Matties: To what do you attribute all of that growth?
Beeson: Our dedicated staff is trying to focus in on business readiness, meaning what we need to do to be relevant and have the appropriate global positioning for our business to prosper. This mindset has aided us in the past and will continue moving forward as to how we look at the opportunities. As a regional, U.S.-based company for many years, becoming more global was very important. Of course, our global focus on supporting innovation and the use of technology has aided our growth as well.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the October 2019 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Karen McConnell
05/07/2026 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007In 2021, Karen McConnell was awarded the Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the electronics industry. As a senior staff member and CAD/CAM engineer at Northrop Grumman Enterprise Services, her primary responsibility was to develop a common, shared EDM (Electronic Document Management) library to support the electrical and PCB design tool initiatives across Northrop Grumman Mission Systems.
A Necessary Shift From Gerber to IPC-2581
05/07/2026 | Tracy Riggan, Global Electronics AssociationIPC-2581 is an open, vendor-neutral data exchange standard developed by the Global Electronics Association to streamline the exchange of PCB design information across fabrication, assembly, and test. It replaces multiple legacy formats—including industry standards, Gerber, and ODB++—with a single, comprehensive, XML-based dataset that captures all manufacturing details.
Meet Emerging Engineers: Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker, Summit Interconnect
05/05/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007Patrick Owen and Eric Mickenbecker both work for Summit Interconnect, and are in their second year of the Global Electronics Association’s Emerging Engineer Program with mentor Brian Chislea. They stopped by the I-Connect007 booth at APEX EXPO and shared a bit of their story with me. Patrick has worked at the Hollister, California, plant since 2018, while Eric has been at the Chicago site since 2023. Like many of their peers, they came to the electronics industry from different paths, but are both excited about making an impact.
PCBAA, AAM Take on the Fight to Rebuild U.S. Manufacturing in New Documentary
05/05/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Throughout most of the 20th century, manufacturing was central to the American Dream of providing stable jobs and pathways to upward mobility. Today, more than 80% of global electronics manufacturing capacity resides in China and greater Asia, raising serious concerns about supply chain resilience and national security.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/01/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007If it feels like the PCB industry is accelerating faster than ever, you’re not imagining it. From advanced materials driven by AI applications to renewed investment in domestic manufacturing—and the next generation stepping into critical roles—there’s a lot shifting at once. My selections for this week highlight where the pressure points are forming, and where the opportunities are emerging.